Labour’s political stances

Labour’s answer: LessLabour will halt and review the NHS
'Sustainability and Transformation
Plans', which are looking at closing
health services across England, and
ask local people to participate in the
redrawing of plans with a focus on
patient need rather than available
finances. We will create a new quality,
safety and excellence regulator -
to be called 'NHS Excellence'.
The next Labour government will
reverse privatisation of our NHS and
return our health service into expert
public control. Labour will repeal the
Health and Social Care Act that puts
profits before patients, and make
the NHS the preferred provider.
We will reinstate the powers of the
Secretary of State for Health to have
overall responsibility for the NHS.Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: LessThe Labour leader today promised to 'rescue the National Health Service' from the Tories the he accuses of introducing failed market...Source

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: YesWe will fund our health services properly, providing an additional £37 billion for the NHS by the end of the next...Source

Should foreign visitors have to pay for emergency medical treatment during their stay in the UK?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, emergency care should not be denied to those cannot afford itLabour would not support changes that make doctors and nurses surrogate immigration...Source

Should private firms reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit on contracts?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: YesLabour would cap the amount of profit private firms can make from the NHS in England, Ed Miliband has said as he launched the party's election campaign. He pledged to halt the "the tide of privatisation" he claims has taken place in the health service since 2010 and ensure a "proper" level of funding. Private firms will have to reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit cap on contracts, he told activists.Source

Labour’s answer: YesNHS
In the aftermath of war and
national bankruptcy. it was a
Labour government that found
the resources to create a National
Health Service — our proudest
achievement. providing universal
healthcare for all on the basis of
need, free at the point of use.Source

Labour’s answer: NoA Conservative party spokesperson told us, "There is clear scientific and medical evidence that cannabis is a harmful drug which can damage people's mental and physical health, and harms individuals and communities. We have no plans to change the...Source

Should cities open drug “safe havens” where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals?statsdiscuss

Labour have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government enact a stricter immigration policy?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: YesLabour says on its website. "We are proud of our diverse and outward-facing country, where people have come from abroad over many generations to build Britain’s businesses, work in our public services and contribute to this country. We also understand that people have legitimate concerns about immigration policy – that's why we believe reforms are needed."
Those reforms:
Migrants will not be able to claim benefits for at least two years.
Border controls will be strengthened, plus an extra 1,000 border staff, making it easier to deport foreign criminals and stop illegal immigration.
Exploitation of illegal immigrants in the workplace will be deterred by tougher penalities.
Also promised is a “smarter system of controls” to encourage “top talent” and to control low skilled migration, while workers in “public services in public facing roles” will be required to speak EnglishSource

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: Depends on where they are from, level of integration and threat.Source

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, but we should ban immigrants from “high risk” countriesLabour leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a tweet that Mr Trump's call was "an attack on democratic values" and an "affront to common...Source

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No because some U.K. Citizens don't know that informationSource

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, but criminals should lose many of these rightsLabour is proud of the benefits the Human Rights Act has brought to a countless number of people in the UK. We will passionately defend our membership of the European Convention on Human Rights. We mustn’t let the Tories turn back the...Source

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?statsdiscuss

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: IncreaseLabour is firmly committed to 0.7% - the aid budget doubled when the party was in power between 1997 and...Source

Should the UK renew its Trident nuclear weapons programme?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, and the UK should encourage all countries to dismantle their nuclear weapon programmesCorbyn is a longstanding supporter of unilateral nuclear disarmament, although he has suggested a compromise of having submarines without nuclear weapons. In June 2016, he agreed to allow Labour MPs a free vote on the replacement of Trident, and 140 Labour MPs voted with the government in favour of the new submarines, in line with party policy, and 47 joining Corbyn to vote against.Source

Should the government increase or decrease military spending?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: IncreaseWe need to make absolutely certain that people hear a really strong voice from Labour on...Source

Should the government attempt to influence foreign elections?statsdiscuss

Labour have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should 18-21 year olds take on unpaid community work in order to claim benefits?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: NoDavid Cameron said about 50,000 18 to 21-year-olds would be required to do daily work experience from day one of their claim, alongside job searching. The welfare shake-up would make sure young people "don't get sucked into a life on welfare", he said in a speech. Labour said the Tories would do nothing to get young people "real jobs". The opposition has pledged a compulsory jobs guarantee for the young unemployed, paid for by a tax on bankers' bonuses.Source

Labour’s answer: YesChris Leslie MP, Labour’s shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, responding to reports that RBS may ask the Government to approve a rise in the EU’s cap on bank bonuses, said: “At a time when families face a cost-of-living crisis and bank lending to business is falling, it cannot be right for George Osborne to approve a doubling of the bank bonus cap.Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: RaiseLabour confirmed an estimated £1.5 billion NHS pay increase would be paid for by raising duty on British...Source

Labour’s answer: No, but increase the tax-free allowanceHealth Secretary Andy Burnham has often said he would like to see a compulsory levy to pay for elderly care. Last month he told another Fabian Society conference that he wanted Labour to ‘embrace’ a system where social care is funded by a tax on estates when people die. Mr Burnham said Labour was holding ‘internal discussions’ about the tax, which it is understood would be levied on top of the 40 per cent inheritance tax.Source

Should homeowners pay higher taxes on "mansions" valued over £2m?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: Yes, this will help reduce wealth inequality in the UK“I think it is right and fair that we tax properties worth over £2 million across the UK - a small number are in Scotland but the vast majority are in London and the South East. “It is then fair that you share that tax across the country, and it just so happens that Scotland would get an enormous boost from that.Source

Should the government allow businesses, charities, parents or teachers to use public money to start "free schools"?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, free schools divert money away from existing schoolsWe’re worried that the government’s free school policy is a distraction from the vital task of improving the vast majority of schools and as people know we have major concerns about parts of this policy, including: The schools are being funded by money taken from other schools; There is no account of how the schools will be joined up with other local schools and services. We don’t want a free-for-all undermining other schools; There are clearly concerns that schools might be able to open without meeting basic minimum standards like having a play ground.Source

Labour’s answer: Yes, and nationalise the industryJeremy Corbyn used his quiet visit to the Copeland by-election to tell Labour members he would give his backing for plans to develop nuclear energy plants.
The party leader made the day trip to the constituency – which includes the Sellafield plant – yesterday to explain his support for new nuclear power as part of Britain’s “energy mix”.Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?statsdiscuss

Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, only if they were arrested for traffickingUnder Tony Blair’s government, the Labour party embraced authoritarianism in policing and maintained the flawed drug policy that remains the consensus between our main political parties today. This policy, dictating that drug-takers should be imprisoned in order to help deal with their drug habit, would be entirely laughable were it not causing such harm to our society. The reality is that the cycle of drug use, imprisonment and unemployment (either due to a criminal record or health issues from addiction) is damaging not only to the individual but to society as a whole. This cycle can only be broken by countering the root of the problem: addiction.Source

Do you support the use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: YesJeremy Corbyn has signalled his intention to push for the abolition of the House of Lords with all new appointments from his party required to pledge they will vote for it in the future.
His spokesman branded the upper chamber of parliament “absurd” and an “undemocratic anachronism”, as he vowed a Labour government would be committed to scrapping it.Source

Labour’s answer: YesEveryone at Labour's conference in Manchester seems to agree that Ed Miliband and David Cameron cannot break their promise to Scottish voters to hand more power to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible. They also agree that the current system at Westminster is unfair and in need of reform.Source

Should the Welsh assembly be granted more devolved power from Parliament to create regional laws?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: Yes, provided England is granted the sameAt our conference last weekend the Labour Party set our clear plans to devolve new powers to Wales, over key areas such as policing, ports, energy and the Work Programme. These moves are in line with the recommendations from the Silk Commission and have been shown to command widespread support.Source

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: No, we should pursue more sustainable energy resources instead"Today I am announcing that the next Labour government will ban fracking in the UK,"
Labour has committed to ban fracking if it wins the next election.
The party has so far called for a moratorium on fracking in the UK, and criticised the environmental safeguards that have been weakened by the Conservative goverment.Source

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned?statsdiscuss

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: YesWe owe it to all those involved in the chain of command for such uses of lethal force to provide them with absolute clarity about the circumstances in which they will have a defence against any possible future criminal prosecution, including those which might originate from outside the UK,” says the committee, chaired by the former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman MP.Source

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: NoJeremy Corbyn will lay out plans to take parts of Britain’s energy industry back into public ownership alongside the railways and the Royal Mail in a radical manifesto that promises an annual injection of £6bn for the NHS and £1.6bn for social...Source

Should the government increase spending on public transportation?statsdiscuss

Should the London Underground be considered an "essential service" which would ban all future worker strikes?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: NoAll-out strikes would be banned in key transport services, such as the London Underground, under plans being examined for inclusion in next year’s Conservative Party manifesto... Labour accused the party of trying to use the industrial action to score political points.Source

Do you support the construction of a high speed railway (HS2) connecting London to Birmingham?statsdiscuss

Labour’s answer: Yes, and extend it to Scotland"It was the previous Labour Government that started us on the journey to a high speed future for Britain’s rail network that has reached this important milestone today. HS2 is a vital project for the country and I welcome the decision to give a green light to this investment in the face of considerable opposition including within the Cabinet. Source

Should foreign visitors have to pay for emergency medical treatment during their stay in the UK?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesOur NHS should be a national health service, not an international health...Source

Should private firms reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit on contracts?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: NoLabour would cap the amount of profit private firms can make from the NHS in England, Ed Miliband has said as he launched the party's election campaign.
He pledged to halt the "the tide of privatisation" he claims has taken place in the health service since 2010 and ensure a "proper" level of funding.
Private firms will have to reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit cap on contracts, he told activists.
The Conservatives said the move was an "ill-thought through gimmick".
...
The restrictions, in combination with the £2.5bn in extra funding already promised by Labour, will provide a "double lock" to protect the NHS, he added.
The Conservatives responded by saying outsourcing to the private sector rose twice as fast under the previous Labour government than it had done since 2010.
"This is no more than a gimmick to scare people about privatisation that isn't happening," said Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
"It risks higher infection rates, higher waiting times and chaos for our NHS."Source

Should the UK deport immigrants who are considered to be promoting terrorism?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesWe believe that Britain should be able to deport foreign nationals who threaten our security to countries where there are verifiable guarantees that they will not be tortured. We are seeking to extend these guarantees to more...Source

Should the government enact a stricter immigration policy?statsdiscuss

Should the UK renew its Trident nuclear weapons programme?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes, and upgrade the current programmeThe Conservative Party leadership supports like-for-like replacement, and enjoys strong majority support within the party for this position. This position is consistent with the party’s position throughout Britain’s history as a nuclear-armed...Source

Should the government increase or decrease military spending?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Neither, but military contracts should be subjected to strict and in depth audits to reduce the rampant cost overruns that have become normal.Source

Should the government attempt to influence foreign elections?statsdiscuss

Conservative have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Conservative’s answer: YesDonald Trump's decision to launch airstrikes against Bashar-al Assad has left Labour similarly riven. As the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats backed the action, the media waited for an opposition...Source

Should the top tax rate of income over £150,000 be raised to 50 percent?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: No, establish a flat rate of taxOn Saturday, the top rate of tax will be reduced from 50p to 45p. I know this is controversial – but if we’re serious about Britain succeeding in the world, it’s an economic...Source

Should Canada pursue free trade deals with other countries?statsdiscuss

Should child benefits be restricted to a maximum of two children?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes, and parents must be permanent residents of the UK in order to claimSource

Should 18-21 year olds take on unpaid community work in order to claim benefits?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesTens of thousands of jobless teenagers will be barred from claiming benefits from "day one" unless they agree to carry out community work under a future Conservative government. David Cameron will today announce plans to get rid of the "well worn path from the school gate and onto a life on benefits" and "give everyone the chance of a better future". Under the plans those aged between 18 and 21 who have not had a job for six months will be barred from claiming benefit unless they agree to start an apprenticeship or complete community work.Source

Conservative’s answer: NoGeorge Osborne has dropped his legal challenge to the European Union cap on bankers bonuses after a leading legal adviser to European court judges comprehensively dismissed the Treasury’s appeal. The cap restricts bonuses to 100pc of banker’s pay or 200pc with the approval of shareholders. The Treasury said it will now withdraw its challenge, “and instead look at other ways of building a system of pay in global banking that encourages rather than undermines responsibility.” “I’m not going to spend taxpayers’ money on a legal challenge now unlikely to succeed. The fact remains these are badly designed rules that are pushing up bankers’ pay not reducing it," the Chancellor said. "These rules may be legal but they are entirely self-defeating, so we need to find another way to end rewards for failure in our banks."Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: No, reform so the tax rate is based on the wealth of the recipient rather than the deceasedMr Cameron said it was wrong that the middle-classes were increasingly unable to bequeath a family home to their children without paying 40 per cent tax. "Inheritance tax should [only] be paid by the very wealthy, and I think you should be able to pass a family home on to your children rather than leave it to the taxman."Source

Should homeowners pay higher taxes on "mansions" valued over £2m?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: No, but implement the tax on foreign owned propertyDavid Cameron has ruled out introducing a mansion tax if he is returned to office as Prime Minister at the next general election in...Source

Conservative have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should tenants receive less benefits if they live in a housing association or council property with more bedrooms than occupants?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes, but only if they refuse to move to an available smaller propertyWe’re saying that if you continue to live in a council house that’s bigger than you need, you’ll need to make a contribution towards the extra...Source

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession?statsdiscuss

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes, less to the politicians and their relatives.Source

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: NoWe will build on existing powers to give pension schemes and the PensionsRegulator the right to scrutinise, clear with conditions or in extreme cases stop mergers,takeovers or large financial commitments that threaten the solvency of the...Source

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country?statsdiscuss

Conservative have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should mortgage lenders be allowed to provide buy-to-let mortgage loans?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Pro-choice“Everyone looks at the evidence and comes to a view about when they think that moment is, and my own view is that 12 weeks is the right point for it,” Mr Hunt told The...Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesShe added: "On gay adoption I have changed my mind... because I have been persuaded that when you are looking at the future for a child, I think it's better for a child who is perhaps in an institutional environment, if they have an opportunity of being in a stable, family environment - be that a heterosexual couple or a gay couple - then I think it's more important that that child is in that stable and loving environment and I have genuinely changed my mind on that."Source

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors?statsdiscuss

Should free meals be offered to all primary school students?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes106 Provision of free school lunches (1)The Education Act 1996 is amended as follows. (2)In section 512ZB (provision of free school lunches and milk at maintained schools)— (a)in subsection (2)(a) after “subsection (4)” insert “or (4A) (or both)”, (b)after subsection (4) insert— “(4A)A person is within this subsection if the person— (a)is a registered pupil at a maintained school or pupil referral unit in England, and (b)is in reception, year 1, year 2 or any other prescribed year group at the school.Source

Should all state schools be required to follow a standard curriculum?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesIn education, the Conservatives have pledged to review the National Curriculum, and introduce the English...Source

Should every student be required to take a GCSE exam at the end of Year Eleven?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesNuclear power is low carbon, affordable, dependable, safe and capable of increasing the diversity of energy supply. New nuclear power stations will help the UK reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and secure its energy...Source

Conservative’s answer: Yes, but ban exclusivity clauses and guarantee a minimum number of hoursWhen companies employ staff on zero hours contracts and then stop them from getting work elsewhere, that's not a free market – it is a fixed...Source

Should the UK reinstate a form of mandatory national service?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesKettering’s Conservative MP Philip Hollobone, who sponsored the bill, is convinced that some form of service for youngsters, be it charitable work, care for the elderly, work linked to the NHS or participation in the armed forces, would help instil a greater sense of ‘self-respect, personal reliance, discipline and behaviour’ into society.Source

Conservative’s answer: No, but they should be self funded and pay taxesSource

Should the government regulate social media sites, as a means to prevent fake news and misinformation?statsdiscuss

Conservative have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish MPs be entitled to vote on legislation which only affects England?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: No, only for legislation that has cross-border implicationsThe Prime Minister is offering a “decisive answer” to the West Lothian question. Some Conservative MPs say that means giving England its own parliament like the one the Scots have. But Mr Cameron favours reforming the House of Commons, so that only English MPs could vote on English laws. He’s also suggested English-only decisions on tax and spending in England.
Source

Conservative’s answer: No, appointed members provide stability and progress instead of political deadlock"91 Conservative Members voted against""Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced that the Bill would not proceed...Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?statsdiscuss

Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesWe will introduce honesty in sentencing so courts set a minimum and a maximum period of incarceration. We will replace automatic release with earned release. We will make community sentences tough and effective, and withdraw benefits for those who don’t attend. We will enforce Drug Rehabilitation Requirements .Source

Do you support the use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes, but increase penalties so offenders take them more seriouslySource

Conservative’s answer: No, and devolved parliaments or assemblies should receive less power"If a bill is certified as England only in its entirety the members of a public bill committee will only be chosen from MPs representing constituencies in England. If an England only bill is considered on the floor of the House at committee stage it will be considered only by MPs representing constituencies in England."Source

Should the Welsh assembly be granted more devolved power from Parliament to create regional laws?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes"Theresa May has indicated she will allow Conservative MPs a free vote on whether to bring back fox hunting. The PM, who says she has always been in favour of fox hunting, said it was up to Parliament to take the decision."...Source

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: No"David Cameron has made clear that prisoners will not get the vote as long as he is Prime Minister. Nothing is going to change. He has made clear that the idea of them getting the vote makes him physically...Source

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding?statsdiscuss

Should the London Underground be considered an "essential service" which would ban all future worker strikes?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: YesDavid Cameron could promise to class the London Underground as an "essential service" as part of the next Conservative manifesto in an effort to stop strike action disrupting the...Source

Do you support the construction of a high speed railway (HS2) connecting London to Birmingham?statsdiscuss

Conservative’s answer: Yes, and extend it to ScotlandConservatives in Government are delivering a modern transport infrastructure that is essential for growth and business, as well as improving people's lives. We are reforming our railways, investing in infrastructure, building High Speed Two, and unblocking our roads – to deliver a transport system that works for the 21st Century.Source

Liberal Democrat’s political stances

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Less, and nationalise all health servicesNick Clegg: "You told us you were worried about privatisation through the back door. So we have made that...Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Less, and provide more government fundingTuesday 20 September 2016 00.01 BST Last modified on Friday 17 February 2017 11.29 GMT
Tim Farron will tell the Liberal Democrat conference that the party would rebrand the NHS to include a fully taxpayer-funded care service, warning that governments must be honest about raising taxes to ease the healthcare crisis.
In his leader’s speech in Brighton on Tuesday, Farron will say the party needs to be honest about the costs of making social care fully government-funded.Source

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesWe will end the historic injustice in mental health by investing £1bn in 12 priority...Source

Should foreign visitors have to pay for emergency medical treatment during their stay in the UK?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, and require visitors to show proof of insurance before entering the UK"Mr Lamb, who is his party’s health spokesman, said: “The principle that those not eligible for free NHS care should pay up front for non-urgent care is sound, but there must be very clear safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people, such as the homeless, who can’t prove their right to treatment. We must also guard against any temptation to extend this policy to urgent treatment. "Source

Should private firms reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit on contracts?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, but I would rather eliminate any privatisation of the NHSSource

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesSaving the NHS by putting a penny in the pound on Income Tax to give the NHS and social care services the cash injection they need. Transforming mental health care with waiting time standards to match those in physical health...Source

Should the UK deport immigrants who are considered to be promoting terrorism?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesI have been doing a bit of digging this morning and found someone from deep within the Westminster Bubble to give me an idea of why the Liberal Democrats would agree to something as drastic as potentially making someone stateless. Well, actually, the Home Secretary already can do just that in two instances already. The first is if citizenship is acquired (including if you were born here) by fraudulent means or facts were concealed and the second is if the person is not conducive to the public good. It came about because of Al Jeddah who could have taken up Iraqi nationality after being deprived of his UK citizenship.The amendment today is described as a tweak to that to enable the Home Secretary to leave someone stateless, a power that they actually had up until 2003. It would be very unusual for that to happen, I’m told, because this will not apply to people who were born here, only to people who have acquired UK citizenship. They have the alternative of resuming their former citizenship so that they would ...Source

Should the government enact a stricter immigration policy?statsdiscuss

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoMuslims are our friends, colleagues, family and neighbours. When he insults them in such a grotesque manner he insults us all.
I have been in touch with Muslim community leaders in Edinburgh. He should come and meet some of those he wants to ban from America when he visits Scotland later this month.Source

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoLiberal Democrats are the only party that has consistently championed Britain’s membership of the European Union, because we believe that Britain’s best chance to succeed is within the...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoClegg won his battle largely because the coalition agreement, negotiated in haste in the immediate aftermath of the general election, makes it clear that the coalition should not seek to withdraw from the convention. It states: "We will establish a commission to investigate the creation of a British Bill of Rights that incorporates and builds on all our obligations under the European convention on human rights, ensures that these rights continue to be enshrined in British law, and protects and extends British liberties." The passage was negotiated between Cameron and Clegg right at the end of the coalition talks by the time Cameron was actually installed in Downing Street. This angered some Tories who feel the prime minister needlessly sold the pass on the issue when he was already in a strong negotiating position.Source

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesDonald Trump's decision to launch airstrikes against Bashar-al Assad has left Labour similarly riven. As the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats backed the action, the media waited for an opposition...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No"Liberal Democrats are the only party that has consistently championed Britain’s membership of the European Union, because we believe that Britain’s best chance to succeed is within the...Source

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No"Liberal Democrats are the only party that has consistently championed Britain’s membership of the European Union, because we believe that Britain’s best chance to succeed is within the...Source

Should the government prosecute people who avoid paying taxes by hiding money in foreign bank accounts?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, we should strongly disincentivise those who move money out of the countrySource

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: FewerThat’s why we will reverse unfair Conservative policies like reducing support for younger people and cutting the benefits of people not fit for work. We will reinstate the legally binding poverty targets of the Child Poverty...Source

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, cuts to public spending will negatively affect the economy"Our plans mean borrowing £5bn more than government plans in 2018-19 and £14bn more 2019-20 for day-to-day...Source

Should the top tax rate of income over £150,000 be raised to 50 percent?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoLib Dem delegates voted by a majority of just four (224-220) not to pledge to reintroduce the 50p rate as Clegg and Farron...Source

Should Canada pursue free trade deals with other countries?statsdiscuss

Should child benefits be restricted to a maximum of two children?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, but replace with a Citizens IncomeThe Liberal Democrats have stopped their plans to scrap child benefit for ordinary families with more than two children, and to prevent young people from getting housing benefit, even if they are in a low paid...Source

Should 18-21 year olds take on unpaid community work in order to claim benefits?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoConservative plans for young benefits claimants are "all stick and no carrot", a Liberal Democrat spokesman has said. Speaking as David Cameron unveiled plans to have such claimants take on unpaid community work or be stripped of their benefits, the spokesman said These placements are not designed to help someone into work, more to punish. Young people should be given help and support into the workplace, help at job centres and the opportunity to get on in life, not just written off as feckless and lazy. We must make sure young people leave school with the skills they need to succeed, which is why Liberal Democrats will protect education spending. – Lib Dem spokesmanSource

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, and nationalise the banksFinal agreement on a cap for bankers’ bonuses will be reached tonight in Brussels with the completion of the last trialogue negotiation between the European Parliament and European Commission. New rules on bonuses, incorporated in the updated Capital Requirements Directive (CRD), include: A salary / bonus ratio of 1:1 which can be raised to 1:2 with a shareholder vote of 65% if there is a 50% quorum or 75% vote if no quorum applied. Up to 25% of the bonus can be paid in long-term instruments (deferred for five years) linked to the capital, and therefore stability, of the bank.* Sharon Bowles MEP, who chairs the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and who led the trialogue negotiations on CRD*, said: “A cap on bankers’ bonuses is not a punishment for bankers but a realignment of the work / reward ratio. “Anyone receiving their annual salary, or twice their annual salary, as an additional bonus should not complain they are not sufficiently rewarded for their work. “The mass exodu...Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Maintain the current rateour plans do not require any increase in the headline rates of Income Tax, National Insurance, VAT or Corporation...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, reform so the tax rate is based on the wealth of the recipient rather than the deceasedThe Conservatives can't be trusted to deliver fair taxes by themselves. We blocked their plans to give millionaires a £270,000 inheritance tax cut and they refuse to create a mansion tax because they are worried it would affect their big...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Help, in theory but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limitedProtect the rights of trade union...Source

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat voters: Yes, as long as offshore income is reportedSource

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesWe have reversed decades of decline in pensioner incomes by uprating the state pension in line with our ‘triple lock’...Source

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should mortgage lenders be allowed to provide buy-to-let mortgage loans?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, but reduce tax evasion by landlordsIn an economy where private consumption accounts for four-fifths of spending cutting housing costs in this way is likely to boost GDP. And since this part of Help to Buy is tied to building, it should work even if the new nests end up in the hands of buy-to-let landlords: a bigger housing stock should drive down rents, and provide jobs for the workers that build them.Source

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesThe underlying objective is to apply, on a transatlantic basis, the same approach that helped to create the EU Single Market. Since, as within the EU, tariffs and quotas are no longer a major issue the emphasis has been on preventing differences in standards, mainly technical, acting as a barrier to tradeSource

Should the government abolish the non-domicile rule which allows residents to limit the tax paid on earnings outside the UK?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesInclusive environment
Equal marriage
To build on the work of Liberal Democrats in government in introducing same sex marriage, and in working toward equal marriage we will:
* Make changes in law to enable the Church of England to perform same sex marriage should it so choose (3.1.3)
* Review the law around transgender and marriage to remove the ‘spousal veto’ and allow couples where one partner has transitioned to reinstate their marriages (3.1.4 and 3.1.5)
* Support the introduction of non-religious marriage in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (3.1.7)
* Amend marriage certificates to allow both parents’ name and occupation to be listed (3.1.9)Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes"Today the Liberal Democrat Party Conference passed a motion, proposed by Chris Davies MEP, which reaffirms their support for a change in the law on assisted...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No" Such a cruel punishment has no place in modern society, all the more given the possibility that innocent people may be executed. Thankfully this is a view now held by all three major...Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesThe Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) equality for decades. We have the best record in Parliament of any political party on LGBT+ equality issues, and we continue to develop and promote progressive policies for LGBT+ people.Source

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, the government should not require gender ratios. However this would be an option, a tax incentive perhaps, that bus eases can avail themselves of.Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoIn government, Liberal Democrats established a fairer system such that that no undergraduate student in England had to pay a penny of their tuition fees up front or pay anything afterwards until they earn over £21,000 per year. This meant that only high-earning graduates would pay their tuition fees in full, and eliminated systematic discrimination against part-time students.Source

Should free meals be offered to all primary school students?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesAll children in the first three years of primary school will be given free school meals in a £600 million giveaway aimed at reducing the cost of living for parents, Nick Clegg has...Source

Should all state schools be required to follow a standard curriculum?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, but allow flexibility for non-core subjectsOne big win for Liberal Democrats is that this new curriculum is so much shorter than Labour’s. We have of course argued for years for a shorter, more focused curriculum that prioritises the essentials. The current National Curriculum has 468 pages in total, this new one has just 224 pages – less than half. Most heads and classroom teachers will agree this is in itself a big step in the right direction. A statement in the Government’s response to the consultation is significant, speaking of “our fundamental aim of returning the national curriculum to its original purpose as a guide to study in key subjects. It is not the role of Government to specify in detail all that pupils should learn in school”.Source

Should every student be required to take a GCSE exam at the end of Year Eleven?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, vocational or skill based qualifications should also be availableOur vision for education is about more than just passing exams. We should give children confidence, creativity and practical skills too. We are deeply concerned that children are increasingly missing out on subjects like art, music and sport. We want to see a broad, balanced curriculum in our schools...
...We introduced a record number of apprenticeships in the last Parliament, to support people to gain new skills or change career at any age...Source

Would you support the return of a selective education system and the reintroduction of grammar schools?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoThe Lib Dem’s position is similar to that of the Labour Party. They do not want to see more grammar schools created (without pronouncing on extensions) but would not move against existing grammar schools and the selection this involves. Support for grammar schools is higher among Lib Dem membership than it is in the Labour Party with the majority of those expressing a view in a poll on the question supporting grammar schools. All the same many Lib Dem members are opposed to selective schools.
Source

Should the government allow businesses, charities, parents or teachers to use public money to start "free schools"?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, free schools will create more local competition and increase standardsFree schools were introduced by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition following the 2010 general election making it possible for parents, teachers, charities and businesses to set up their own...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, temporarily while we increase investment into cleaner renewable alternativesAccept that new nuclear power stations can play a role in low-carbon electricity supply provided concerns about safety, disposal of waste and cost are adequately addressed and without public subsidy for new...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, but only for those seeking part time instead of permanent employmentLiberal Democrat Business Secretary Vince Cable is calling on business, unions and individuals to help identify and close potential loopholes in plans to ban the use of exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts. Exclusivity clauses prevent workers on zero hours contracts from taking work elsewhere even when their employer provides no work. The government is launching a consultation to find out whether a minority of unscrupulous employers may attempt to circumvent the ban by offering contracts which could guarantee just one hour of work.Source

Should the UK reinstate a form of mandatory national service?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, service should be an option instead of obligationSource

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No, but only provide financial support for immediate heirs to the throneSource

Should the government regulate social media sites, as a means to prevent fake news and misinformation?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish MPs be entitled to vote on legislation which only affects England?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoWhy should Scottish – or for that matter Welsh or Northern Irish – MPs, vote on English issues, when their English counterparts cannot vote on Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish ones? The answer to that – they shouldn’t – is so obvious that most Scottish voters, let alone English ones, oppose their MPs voting on English issues.Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, for most but not all drugsNick Clegg discuss regulation for cannabis, heroin, and so called legal highs and call for an end to criminal sanctions for the possession and use of all...Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoSafeguard the essential freedom of the internet and back net
neutrality, the principle that internet service providers should
enable access to all lawful content and applications regardless of
the source, and without favouring or blocking particular products
or websites.Source

Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoIndividuals, especially young people, can be damaged both by the imposition of criminal records and by a drug habit, and that the priority for those addicted to all substances must be healthcare, education and rehabilitation, not...Source

Do you support the use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesIn 2012, Liberal Democrat objections prevented the implementation of proposals in a Home Office White Paper to replace the ASBO with a "criminal behaviour order", and a "crime prevention...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: NoAlthough not a holder of a ministerial post, Hughes is one of the most influential figures in the Lib Dem party. An English parliament is not Lib Dem policy, but if created it would shift the UK towards a federal system, with its four nations increasingly tied only by foreign affairs, defence, and other nationwide issues.Source

Should the Welsh assembly be granted more devolved power from Parliament to create regional laws?statsdiscuss

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, but producers should not be able to patent seedsThe Liberal Democrats do not have any “theological” opposition to genetically modified foods, the agriculture minister has said, paving the way for Britain to relax the rules on controversial biotech...Source

Liberal Democrat’s answer: YesLiberal Democrats also believe that we should extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds. It is only right that young people who will live with the decisions of each Government have a say in electing them. The success of under 18 voting in Scotland has shown that allowing young people to vote ensures they are more engaged in the future, improving our democracy.Source

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote?statsdiscuss

Should the London Underground be considered an "essential service" which would ban all future worker strikes?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: No"Senior Tories believe new restrictions would prove highly popular with the voters, but their Liberal Democrat Coalition partners and Labour accused the party of trying to use the industrial action to score political...Source

Do you support the construction of a high speed railway (HS2) connecting London to Birmingham?statsdiscuss

Liberal Democrat’s answer: Yes, and extend it to ScotlandThe Lib Dems are making high speed rail a reality, helping us to build a stronger, more balanced economy and create 100,000...Source

British National’s answer: Less, and nationalise all health services“Marketisation,” and particularly the Conservative-created Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes imposed by Gordon Brown, has been a disaster which is saddling Trusts and the taxpayer with enormous debts. We totally reject this attempt to turn the nation’s health service into a private profit centre for giant corporations.Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services?statsdiscuss

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?statsdiscuss

British National have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreign visitors have to pay for emergency medical treatment during their stay in the UK?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: YesEnd the scandal of foreign health...Source

Should private firms reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit on contracts?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes“Marketisation,” and particularly the Conservative-created Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes imposed by Gordon Brown, has been a disaster which is saddling Trusts and the taxpayer with enormous debts. We totally reject this attempt to turn the nation’s health service into a private profit centre for giant corporations.Source

Should the UK deport immigrants who are considered to be promoting terrorism?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, but only if their human rights will be respected by the country they are deported toThe Human Rights Act, which is the UK version of the European Union’s Human Rights legislation, has turned Britain into a “safe haven” for...Source

Should the government enact a stricter immigration policy?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: YesThe BNP is the ONLY political party you can trust to stop...Source

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime?statsdiscuss

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: YesEuropean migrants has led to many voters agreeing that Britain needs the BNP!
Residents tell us they agree that it is time to Secure Our Borders as a result of the following:
2016 has been a year of Islamic terror attacks in Europe and there is an entire network of terror groups threatening the UK.
2016 data and statistics confirm that illegal immigration into the UK is at an all time high and many of these illegals simply stay.
2016 has seen over 1000 women in Pakistan killed in honour killings as a result of Sharia Law.
The BNP SAYS NO to Sharia Law and NO to the abuse of women. It’s an evolving threat in the UK!
2016 proved that the British public want to see an end to Mass Immigration following the credible EU referendum result.
The public want certainty that Immigration must halt.
2016 confirmed that the tidal wave of illegals and dangerous criminals entering the UK is accelerating.Source

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, until terrorist attacks decrease"there should be absolutely no further immigration from any Muslim countries, as it presents one of the most deadly threats yet to the survival of our nation" - BNP...Source

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: YesThe BNP demands an immediate withdrawal from the European Union, which is an organisation dedicated to usurping British sovereignty and to destroying our nationhood and national...Source

British National’s answer: YesThe BNP will repeal the 1998 Human Rights Act and withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, both of which are exploited to abuse Britain’s hospitality by the world’s...Source

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: YesRestore national service for our young with the option of civil or military...Source

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending?statsdiscuss

Should the UK renew its Trident nuclear weapons programme?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, but remove the base from ScotlandBNP candidate, Mike Ashurner, said: "Other parties are all promising cuts or delays to the Trident programme.
"We'd fully implement all programmes without delay, providing British jobs for British workers in the shipyard for Barrow.
"We'd put local people first for jobs." Source

Should the government increase or decrease military spending?statsdiscuss

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: More, but increase benefits for the elderly and disabledHowever, decades of Labour and Tory socialist state-induced welfare dependency has utterly distorted this noble ideal. Well-meaning welfare programmes have been exploited, distorted and twisted to become nothing more than a free handout to scroungers, foreign and local. This has in turn created a welfare dependency culture which has led to in excess of six million people living in homes where no one has a job and where benefits are a way of life.Source

Should the top tax rate of income over £150,000 be raised to 50 percent?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: No, establish a flat rate of taxThe study also confirmed that it will be the middle classes who will suffer the most, with at least 700,000 middle-income earners being pushed in to the top tax rate as a result of changes announced by ConDem Chancellor George...Source

Should Canada pursue free trade deals with other countries?statsdiscuss

Should 18-21 year olds take on unpaid community work in order to claim benefits?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: No“It is outrageous that the government is trying to stigmatise job seekers by making them work for nothing, otherwise they will have their benefits docked. “The hours demanded by workfare are greater than a community service order you would get for a criminal offence, such as punching someone in the street – this is just bonkers. “What the long queues of Britain’s unemployed need are proper jobs with decent pay and a strong system of apprenticeships for young people to offer them a sustainable employment future. “What is being introduced today is shoddy. It will displace existing workers and enslave work-seekers or see them join the foodbank queue. We urge our charities to have nothing whatsoever to do with this abusive scheme.”Source

British National’s answer: Yes, and lower the cap to 50%The banksters cannot be let off the hook for their role in the current financial crisis. The BNP demands that the banksters responsible for the catastrophe which has crippled the international banking system be held personally legally liable for their actions in terms of corporate governance laws. They should have to pay a personal price for the mess they have created, and not be rewarded with huge bonuses which have come from taxpayer-funded bailouts.Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?statsdiscuss

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country?statsdiscuss

British National have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should mortgage lenders be allowed to provide buy-to-let mortgage loans?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: No, buy to let mortgages lead to inflated housing pricesThe Tories, furthermore, must heed the wishes of one of their major constituencies, the buy to let landlords, to whom high immigration is a Godsend, as it means that they can charge ever-higher rentals, as residential property for rent becomes ever more scarce. Neither Labour nor the Tories shows the least concern at the insidious undermining of our native culture and traditions by the endless absorption of wave after wave of alien cultures.Source

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Pro-lifeGriffin claimed that amplifying the party's 'pro-life' policies would win it new votes among Catholics. 'There used to be a perception in Northern Ireland and Scotland that we were an Orange party. This is not so,' he said. The BNP, like Dowson, wanted to reach across the sectarian divide.Source

British National’s answer: NoHeterosexual marriage is an institution whose primary purpose is to provide the best possible conditions for bringing up children.
Statistics on the health, safety and achievements of children show that those reared in homes with two married parents fare better, on average, than those in less stable circumstances.
Since heterosexual marriage is best for children, the nation state has a duty to encourage marriage and to defend it from those who would undermine it by relativising or trivialising it.Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, but only for citizensThe British National Party remains committed to the principle of the abolition of university...Source

Should free meals be offered to all primary school students?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, but only if they meet high nutritional standardsApparently there are no plans for scrapping the eligibility of the children of those claiming Job Seekers' Allowances for free school meals, although this would be subject to...Source

Should all state schools be required to follow a standard curriculum?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: NoGreater power should be devolved to parents through governing bodies with respect to the hiring and firing of staff (for example the incompetent or those who try to push their own agenda) and appointment of governors who, within limits, could set the curriculum and determine policy on school uniforms and corporal punishment (within strict criteria).Source

Should every student be required to take a GCSE exam at the end of Year Eleven?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, and with proportional representationBelieving that government should be as close to the people as possible, and in keeping with our reverence for tradition, we would restore the ancient pre-1974 counties and devolve as much power as possible from higher levels of government to County Council level.
- Root out corruption by jailing politicians who take bribes and confiscate the assets of businesses caught trying to buy favours
- Ban politicians from ever taking jobs or benefits from big businesses that have benefitted in any way from decisions and votes made by them while in office
- Abolish postal voting for all except the very ill, the elderly and people working away
- Democratise the crony-packed House of Lords with PR electionsSource

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?statsdiscuss

Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: Yes, they should be removed from societyCriminals should be made to serve their full sentences, with time added for bad...Source

Do you support the use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: YesThe group of Muslim men have been given the anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) that will restrict their behaviour at religious events. Some however suggest that such an order might breach their - you guessed it, their human rights! The ASBO's we are lead to believe will ban these clowns from gathering in large groups after violent outbursts at a rally led by radical hate preacher Anjem Choudary. Four of them have been served with a three-year anti-social behaviour order that also prevents them from carrying flags or setting fire to items in protest. The Judge Paul Worsley QC in giving the ASBO's said the orders were necessary to protect members of the public. He also restricted what eight of the Muslim are allowed to do when attending a Dawah - a public event where Islam is preached. Judge Worsley decided to issue the order at the Old Bailey after hearing a day-long argument from lawyers for the men who suggested the ASBO would breach these poor souls right to religious expression. However, he ruled: ‘I am e...Source

Should the Welsh assembly be granted more devolved power from Parliament to create regional laws?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: No, keep existing level of devolutionThis isn't the referendum we need. The referendum we need is the one to get us out of the EU, but of course we are not allowed to have this...Source

Should the government increase spending on public transportation?statsdiscuss

British National have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the London Underground be considered an "essential service" which would ban all future worker strikes?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: NoNervousness about the strikes was fuelled by news that the British National Party was promoting the protests on its website, using the “British jobs for British workers”...Source

Do you support the construction of a high speed railway (HS2) connecting London to Birmingham?statsdiscuss

British National’s answer: NoIndeed, there already exists good rail and road links between the cities in the HS2...Source

Democratic Unionist’s answer: LessAllocate to public health an increasing percentage of the overall health budget with a view to increasing spend on health promotion and disease prevention beyond £100 million, to more than two and a half times the 2007...Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services?statsdiscuss

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreign visitors have to pay for emergency medical treatment during their stay in the UK?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: No, emergency care should not be denied to those cannot afford itMinister Poots described a fundamental set of values and principles to guide emergency and unscheduled care in Northern Ireland. He continued: "These principles and values must be the benchmark by which both I as Minister and the wider public measure performance in the HSC. These values and principles will go beyond waiting times and targets.
"I want to see services that are timely, evidence based, that are sensitive to individuals needs and which meet patient experience standards. I want every aspect of the system to work together to better meet the needs of the population. I want HSC organisations to continue to be 'learning organisations', to share innovations and quality improvements across the system.
"I am determined that these values and principles will strengthen the basis of how my Department holds the HSC to account for its delivery of unscheduled care. These values will build on the work of Quality 20:20 and patient experience standards."
Concluding the Minister said: "It is the public's right ...Source

Should private firms reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit on contracts?statsdiscuss

Should the UK deport immigrants who are considered to be promoting terrorism?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: Yes, but only if their human rights will be respected by the country they are deported toTheresa May The Secretary of State for the Home Department: That is why, yesterday, I announced the inclusion of pre-charge detention in my review of counter-terrorism powers, along with control orders, stop-and-search powers, the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, deportations with assurances, and measures to deal with organisations promoting hatred or violence.Source

Should the government enact a stricter immigration policy?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: Yes, but maintain free trade agreements with EU nationsCommenting Diane Dodds said, “There are some who would like to pretend that this European election is a referendum on the United Kingdom’s place within the EU. A referendum can and must happen, but the forthcoming European election will not make that decision. The DUP at Westminster have been to the fore of bringing that issue forward and we will maintain pressure on the Prime Minister to make good on pledges he has made. I have always defended British sovereignty in Europe and will continue to oppose power-grabs by Brussels. There is an irony that it is those who are most in favour of greater political union within the EU that are often most opposed to the public having their say. I will continue to press for fundamental change in Europe and putting a choice to the people for their verdict.Source

Democratic Unionist’s answer: NoSupport, as a minimum, the reform of the Human Rights Act, to remove the 'right to family life' defence against deportation upon conviction for a serious criminal...Source

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?statsdiscuss

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: More, but increase benefits for the elderly and disabledMany older people in Northern Ireland fear losing some of the supports
Stormont has given them since the restoration of devolution. The DUP wants to protect hard earned pensioner benefits in recognition of a lifetime of hard work by our older generations. We will: maintain free public transport for over 60s; keep the Lone Pensioners Allowance;Source

Should the top tax rate of income over £150,000 be raised to 50 percent?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: NoI’ve heard it said that we should do what Scotland did and demand additional tax varying powers and that would somehow be the panacea for all of our problems. First of all, our budget problems are pressing. We simply can’t afford to wait for the outcome of discussions about what the future complexion of our United Kingdom will be. Furthermore, why does anyone think devolving something like income tax would be the solution? Increasing the rate of income tax by 1% in Northern Ireland would raise roughly £90million. That would pay this year’s welfare reform penalty but would do so on the backs of people who are already paying their taxes and probably feel they’re paying enough. To fill the estimated £1billion annual hole in our finances created by escalating penalties and the cost of developing and maintaining our own social security IT system would necessitate a 10% income tax increase. I’m sure everyone would agree that is not a serious proposition especially when incurring the fines and building our own IT s...Source

Should Canada pursue free trade deals with other countries?statsdiscuss

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: Lower"I remain committed to delivering the 12.5% corporation tax rate in 2018, and indeed with the shift at UK level to lower the main rate, I am certainly open to looking at lowering the rate to 10%," Mrs Foster said. ""Fundamental to the economic strategy is the devolution of corporation tax setting powers."Source

Democratic Unionist’s answer: Yes, it is double taxationThat this House notes the phenomenal response to the campaign organised by the Daily Express newspaper to abolish inheritance tax, culminating in a 200,000 signature petition to the Treasury; believes that the failure of inheritance tax thresholds to keep pace with house price inflation has meant that millions of ordinary households are now liable for death duty and that inheritance tax is an inefficient and an immoral tax for the recently bereaved; and urges the Government urgently to consider abolishing inheritance tax.Source

Democratic Unionist have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should tenants receive less benefits if they live in a housing association or council property with more bedrooms than occupants?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: NoRepresentatives from the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Fein, the Social Democratic and Labour Party and the Ulster Unionist Party have confirmed they will attempt to scrap the introduction of a cut in housing benefit for social tenants with spare rooms during a debate later this month.Source

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession?statsdiscuss

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should mortgage lenders be allowed to provide buy-to-let mortgage loans?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: YesIntroduce legislative changes that strengthen the powers of social landlords to deal with anti-social tenants and examine how the law could be extended to include private landlords and tenants Establish a light touch, mandatory register for private landlords Work with housing associations to scope out the potential to enhance their role in developing affordable housing and regenerating communities, whilst seeking to achieve optimum efficiency through consolidation and procurement Seek to extend the programme of installing carbon monoxide monitors in social homes Engage with telecommunications companies with a view to developing a roll out programme to provide affordable broadband access in social housing Set up a Northern Ireland Housing Forum involving all housing providers and representatives of those Government Departments involved including DSD, DFP and Planning Assist first time buyers including through a graduate home loan scheme for those with degrees in subjects crucial to improving our economy such ...Source

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: NoFirst Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster has said her party will keep using the contentious petition of concern to block same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland for at least another five...Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: NoDUP peer Lord Morrow said last night that many people will be relieved that Archbishop Clarke has “spoken so clearly”. He added: “He is mindful, as are we all, of the sensitivities involved and that every case involves an individual and their family. “There are huge problems with the proposals which have been put forward and already debated at Westminster, surpassed by the concerns about what future steps would be taken if any move towards assisted dying were introduced. The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland believe in the value of human life and we should measure our society on how we treat the most vulnerable in it, not by installing criteria to judge when a life becomes worthless.”Source

Democratic Unionist’s answer: YesTwo prominent DUP figures have come out in support of reintroducing capital punishment. Lord Morrow, the current housing minister, made the call in remarks published by a local newspaper on Thursday, whilst veteran party figure Gregory Campbell took to the airwaves to back him.Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: No, and I believe a mother and father family structure is best for the childThe DUP will oppose any proposal to change the law to allow unmarried and gay couples to adopt children, Jeffrey Donaldson has said.
Earlier this week, Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Kerr dismissed a bid to overturn the current law banning adoption by unmarried couples. The Department of Health is considering proposals to change the law to enable unmarried and gay couples to adopt. But speaking on Inside Politics, Mr Donaldson said the DUP would oppose it. It remains my view that a married relationship is the best relationship for adoption," he said. "The DUP will vigorously oppose any move in Northern Ireland to introduce gay adoption. We do not believe it is right that a child should be placed into a gay relationship."Source

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors?statsdiscuss

Should every student be required to take a GCSE exam at the end of Year Eleven?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: YesToday Mr Weir announced that new guidance will be issued to schools which will allow them the option of preparing P6 and P7 children for transfer tests within class hours. This will include facilitating test arrangements by supplying support materials, preparation during core teaching hours, coaching in exam techniques and providing familiarisation with the testing environment. However, Mr Weir clarified no school will be forced to take part in preparing pupils for the tests.Source

Would you support the return of a selective education system and the reintroduction of grammar schools?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: YesSupport academic selection, matching pupils to the most appropriate post-primary school for their individual needs
Preserve and promote grammar schools, with Boards of Governors free to determine admissions...Source

Should the government allow businesses, charities, parents or teachers to use public money to start "free schools"?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: Yes, free schools will create more local competition and increase standardsCorporal punishment remains an option for teachers in seven schools run by the [DUP leader] Rev Ian Paisley's Free Presbyterian church long after it was banned in England and Wales and in state schools in the...Source

Democratic Unionist’s answer: YesMr Ross said that it is important employees are not discriminated against, but added that the flexibility zero hour contracts offer to small businesses in Northern Ireland is hugely important to the economy, and that we should gather a strong evidence base before coming to any conclusions on whether legislation would be desirable.Source

Should the UK reinstate a form of mandatory national service?statsdiscuss

Should the government regulate social media sites, as a means to prevent fake news and misinformation?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish MPs be entitled to vote on legislation which only affects England?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: No, only for legislation that has cross-border implicationsMr Donaldson jumped to the defence of the English, citing the significant subsidy that English taxpayers contribute to the public spending in Northern Ireland, as well as the West Lothian question (whereby representatives elected outside England have a vote on matters inside England). He placed major blame on the failure of the Labour and Conservative parties in Scotland making the case for the Union. Especially for Scottish Labour, all its senior politicians are sent down to Westminster, leaving SNP’s leader Alex Salmond ineffectively challenged in the Scottish Parliament. This is in contrast to the DUP, which Mr Donaldson explained as having made a conscious decision to divide the talents and labour between the Northern Ireland Assembly and Westminster.Source

Democratic Unionist’s answer: No, but remove hereditary peers and bishopsOn Tuesday I was one of 91 Conservative MPs to vote against the proposed reforms to the House of Lords. We were joined in the ‘No’ lobby by 26 Labour MPs, and 8 members of the Democratic Unionist Party. Had the Government also sought to limit the amount of time Parliament could spend debating the Bill, it is likely there would have been far more rebels.
Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?statsdiscuss

Should nonviolent drug offenders be given mandatory jail sentences?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: YesDrugs are a scourge in our society. Those who trade in drugs are literally doling out death to their victims. The DUP believes that the reason why the ‘War on Drugs’ has not been won is because it has not been waged. It is time for a zerotolerance approach to drugs and drug dealers. The problem of substance abuse is not however, confined merely to drugs which are covered in the current classification system. Recent cases have shown the need for legislation regarding the sale of dangerous legal highs. The DUP will: • Oppose any attempt to introduce the decriminalisation of cannabis; • Press for the introduction of a minimum ten year sentence for those found guilty of coordinating the supply of Class A drugs. • Support the introduction of legislation to tackle the scourge of so-called legal highs.Source

Do you support the use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)?statsdiscuss

Should the government increase spending on public transportation?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the London Underground be considered an "essential service" which would ban all future worker strikes?statsdiscuss

Democratic Unionist’s answer: No, and I will demonstrate my personal support[Ian Paisley] played a key role in orchestrating the Ulster Workers' Council Strike which brought Northern Ireland to a standstill in...Source

Do you support the construction of a high speed railway (HS2) connecting London to Birmingham?statsdiscuss

Plaid Cymru’s answer: LessPlaid Cymru personally submitted this answer on February 2nd, 2015.This organization should be praised for their direct communication with voters and commitment to transparency in politics.Learn more about this organization on their Facebook, Twitter, WebsiteSource

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services?statsdiscuss

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?statsdiscuss

Plaid Cymru have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreign visitors have to pay for emergency medical treatment during their stay in the UK?statsdiscuss

Plaid Cymru’s answer: No, emergency care should not be denied to those cannot afford itPlaid Cymru personally submitted this answer on February 2nd, 2015.This organization should be praised for their direct communication with voters and commitment to transparency in politics.Learn more about this organization on their Facebook, Twitter, WebsiteSource

Should private firms reimburse the NHS if they exceed a 5% profit on contracts?statsdiscuss

Should the UK deport immigrants who are considered to be promoting terrorism?statsdiscuss

Plaid Cymru’s answer: YesPlaid Cymru personally submitted this answer on February 2nd, 2015.This organization should be praised for their direct communication with voters and commitment to transparency in politics.Learn more about this organization on their Facebook, Twitter, WebsiteSource

Should the government enact a stricter immigration policy?statsdiscuss

Plaid Cymru’s answer: NoPlaid Cymru will push for Wales to grant its own visas, to enable the Welsh Government to attract the necessary skillset to build the Welsh economy.
Commenting, Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, Jonathan Edwards, said:
"There is a real danger that the Tories are so blinded by their obsession to appeal to UKIP voters that they are willing to sacrifice our country's economy. They have interpreted a vote to take control of borders as a vote to shut up shop and destroy the economy.
"Wales already has a shortage of doctors and nurses for example, and we are already reliant on skilled migrants from the EU and elsewhere to sustain the service. Thanks to continued neglect from the Labour Welsh Government we have not trained enough of our own people for the long-term so we must, in the short term at least, attract skilled medical staff from other countries.
My own words: Clearly, Plaid Cymru desire more immigration, not less. This needs to be realised as there are some skewed results on immigration policy using this app.Source

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime?statsdiscuss